Women throughout history have exemplified virtues, fortitude and moral strength. They have displayed great confidence in facing various vicissitudes of life. There are several role models throughout history who have inspired women from all walks of life, through the centuries.

One of the foremost roles a woman assumes is that of a mother. Motherhood is the most precious gift of God. Swami says, "Mother is your first God." Mother is also the child's first teacher, a true Bal Vikas Guru or in other words, a teacher who strives for the betterment of her child. She deserves the utmost reverence for her selfless devotion and dedication towards her family. Mothers are the makers of a nation's fortune or misfortune. History would not have seen the virtues and the sacrifices of Lord Rama and the Pandavas had it not been for their mothers Kausalya and Kunti. Swami holds his mother, Eswaramma in the highest regard. He describes her as an 'ideal mother'. Eswaramma was an epitome of love. She taught her children the value of gratitude, sacrifice, respect and also selfless service. She worked tirelessly to help relieve suffering amongst destitute women. She was also instrumental in establishing the General hospital and the Anantapur girls college, two institutions that have provided service to the sick, needy and girls with a thirst for knowledge respectively.

Their mothers loving care and their human values-based upbringing produced outstanding world leaders of the caliber of Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill.

Embodiment of devotion:
Meera and Saku are ideals of unending devotion and love. Both had immense love for Lord Krishna and Lord Panduranga respectively. They never lost faith in God. Despite the trials and tribulations that they were put through they always triumphed.

Embodiment of selfless service and compassion:
Mother Teresa and Florence Nightingale are true role models of compassion and selfless service. Florence Nightingale worked for a great cause to minimize suffering amongst the wounded soldiers. She worked day and night to help soldiers in distress by improving their sanitary conditions and thereby reducing their morbidity and mortality rates. Her dedication to her work and her faith in the Lord served her well.

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Prize for her dedication, compassion and her service to the needy. She realized divinity through her service. She showed the world that through love and service one can certainly attain bliss. She was a true follower of Swami's message" Love all, Serve all".

Embodiment of faith:
Savitri was a devoted woman who exemplified faith and chastity. She was pure at heart and was successful in bringing her husband back from the clutches of the Lord of death. Sita, Lord Rama's wife, was also put to the test, when she was asked to jump into a burning pyre. Being a pure, chaste woman she emerged from it unscathed and victorious.

Embodiment of courage:
Helen Keller was an extraordinary woman who altered the perceptions of the disabled and re-mapped the boundaries of sight and sense. Helen Keller, despite her handicap, was able to accomplish her aims and aspirations in life. Her courage, faith and perseverance helped her turn her tragedy into triumph.

History has revealed that women are repositories of great capabilities. They have taught us the importance of basic human values and have played a great role in the moral regeneration of mankind. We, the women of the 21st century are faced with the incredible challenge of imbibing and emulating the ideals and morals that these exalted women from various walks of life throughout history have exemplified. We are entrusted with the task of maintaining and fostering these virtues and values. To accomplish this task we require undaunted faith, dedication, devotion, and most importantly, Swami's grace and blessings to allow us to emerge victorious in all our future endeavors.